Born in 1942, Stoltzman graduated from Ohio State University with a double major in music and mathematics. He earned his Master of Music degree from Yale University, and later worked toward a doctoral degree with Kalmen Opperman at Columbia University. A ten-year participation at the Marlboro Music Festival gave him extensive chamber music experience as well as the inducement to become a founding member of the noted ensemble TASHI, which made its debut in 1973.

Stoltzman has created new musical horizons for the clarinet and its devotees. He was the first clarinetist to perform solo recitals at both the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall. In 1986 he became the first wind player to be awarded the Avery Fisher Prize, joining such past winners as Murray Perahia and Yo-Yo Ma. Hailed for doing for the clarinet what James Galway has done for the flute, Stoltzman has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, La Scala, the Berlin Radio Symphony, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, and Mostly Mozart in New York.

Stoltzman's talents as a jazz performer have been noted in tours of Europe and the United States. His hazz recital at the Bayreuth Opera House caused a scandal for the local presenter, who had requested that the program highlight jazz; the event shattered every precedent of that august venue, and brought a cheering capacity audience to its feet. Mr. Stoltzman opened the second century season of the Boston Pops in a gala concert with John Williams and blues legend Joe Williams, and toured for two seasons with Woody Herman's Thundering Herd. He has performed or recorded with such jazz and pop greats as Chick Corea, George Shearing, Gary Burton, Eddie Gomez, Keith Jarrett, Mel Torme, Wayne Shorter, Jeremy Wall and Judy Collins.

In 1993, Richard Stoltzman was featured on UK Channel 4's television series Concerto!, playing Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. This heralded performance was released on audio and video formats by BMG Classics. Stoltzman's television credits include appearances on "Good Morning America", the "Tonight Show", "Sesame Street", "Live from Wolf Trap", and many other programs.tute of Music, and is responsible for overseeing the chamber music department's studies and performances.

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